My recent production of Windsor chairs prompted a reader – himself, a Windsor chair-maker – to contact me concerning the moisture content of various chair parts. We exchanged several emails, the content of which I have précised and edited together … Continue reading →

To a comment in Picture This CX, I replied that warped Windsor seats were not uncommon. A few minutes flicking through the archives returned the following additional examples of warpiness. (That is a word. Now.) Fig. 1. Fig. 2. Fig. … Continue reading →

Whether by the hand of its maker, a natural defect or the passage of time having its effect on highly contorted wood, antique furniture can be the more beautiful and desirable for its often-perceived shortcomings and faults. Like a face-pulling … Continue reading →

I spotted this chest of drawers for sale which was described thusly: […] chest of drawers, circa 1720. […] later inlaid with same period inlay which has been let in to create this stunning piece. Fig. 1. Decorated oak chest … Continue reading →

I have previously mentioned cross-grained mouldings (here and here) which, though somewhat out-of-period, are authentic. The walnut chest-on-chest below is from the second quarter of the eighteenth-century and displays customary cross-grain banding and vertical veneer on the drawer fronts. Fig. … Continue reading →

The Sydney Fair (25-28 May 2017) at the Royal Hall of Industries Moore Park will be the largest International quality event for 10 years. Over 50 of Australia’s outstanding dealers will be exhibiting (and selling) Furniture, Decorative Arts, Jewellery, Art, … Continue reading →

Harlequin tables initially enjoyed popularity from the second quarter of the eighteenth-century. Several examples are known to have been made by John Channon and Thomas Potter – both esteemed London cabinetmakers. The tables’ tri-fold tops (fig. 1) successively open to … Continue reading →